National News

Tobacco pipes unearthed in rail dig

Timber piles constructed from trees felled between 59AD and 83AD as well as a rare 14th century drink-holding flagon are among other items discovered near London Bridge station

Tobacco pipes thought to be from the 16th century, which were found with other artefacts unearthed during work on the Thameslink rail project.

Views of a rare 14th century flagon, thought to have been used to serve ale in the Abbot of Waverley's town house. It is now on display in The Wheatsheaf pub in Stoney Street near London Bridge station, close to where it was excavated with other artefacts

Some of the first tobacco pipes as well as other centuries-old items have been unearthed during work on a £6.5 billion rail project.

The pipes are thought to be from the 16th century and were found in London as the Thameslink project progresses.

Timber piles constructed from trees felled between 59AD and 83AD as well as a rare 14th century drink-holding flagon are among other items discovered.

The flagon is thought to have been used to serve ale in the Abbot of Waverley's town house. It is now on display in The Wheatsheaf pub in Stoney Street near London Bridge station, close to where it was excavated.

"We believe from its distinctive white clay that it was made in Cheam (in south London) between 1350 and 1440," said Jackie Keily, curator at the Museum of London, which gave permission for the jug to be displayed in The Wheatsheaf.

Fragments of medieval floors and walls have also been found. These could have been part of large houses along Tooley Street in south London, known to have belonged to important clerics such as the Prior of Lewes in Sussex.